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Electrical panel under 100 amps? Yes, you need to upgrade

If you do have an electrical panel that’s under 100 amps, we definitely recommend upgrading to a newer panel that has at least 200 amps. These panels can safely handle the electrical demands of most modern homes.

You see, the “amperage” of your electrical panel tells you the strength of electricity that’s flowing into your home. The higher the amperage, the more electrical appliances your home can power.

Homes that have less than a 100-amp electric service (i.e. a 60-amp panel), were likely built before 1960. And pre-1960 homes had very few electrical appliances to power, so less amperage was needed. But because today’s average home has a lot more electrical appliances to power, we suggest upgrading to a higher amperage panel.

Electrical panel over 100 amps? Upgrading depends on the situation...

Below are 6 signs that you should upgrade your electrical panel (we’ll explain each sign in more detail below):

Your electrical panel is 40+ years old

You notice the signs of a worn electrical panel (signs revealed below)

You have one of these 3 defective breaker panel brands: Federal Pacific Electric, Zinsco or Pushmatic.

#1: Your electrical panel is 40+ years old

Circuit breaker panels usually only last 25 to 40 years, so if yours is 40 years or older, it’s time to consider replacing it.

Older electrical panels can’t support the electrical demand that modern appliances require, so it’s best to replace them to prevent electrical hazards.

#2: You notice the signs of a worn electrical panel

If you notice the following warning signs, you might want to have an electrician inspect your panel:

You hear a crackling sound from the electrical panel

Your circuit breakers trip often

The lights flicker or dim when you use other appliances

Your electrical panel feels warm to the touch

A tripped circuit breaker won’t stay reset after you flip the switch

You smell burning odors coming from the electrical panel

#3: You’re out of expansion slots

Many circuit breaker panels come with empty “expansion slots”. These expansion slots allow you to add a circuit breaker when you get new appliances that require a new electrical circuit.

Expansion slots on an electrical panel

But if you’re out of expansion slots, and you’re trying to cheat it by using extension cords or power strips to create additional outlets for your home, it’s time to replace your panel.

Why? Well, trying to power more appliances than your panel can handle can lead to electrical fires.

#4: You’re adding onto your home

Whether you’re building a new room, or adding big appliances like an AC unit or a spa to your home, you’ll likely need a new electrical panel to accommodate the new electrical load.

Like we mentioned earlier, electrical panels can only support a certain electrical load (amperage). When you add heavy-duty appliances to your home, it increases the amperage your panel needs to support.

#5: You have a fuse box

If you have a fuse box, you should replace it for the following 3 reasons:

Fuse boxes are older, which means they’re more prone to break down and malfunction. Fuse panels were replaced by circuit breakers in the mid-1950s.

Fuse boxes usually don’t provide enough amperage. Most fuse boxes range from 30–60 amps. Most homes need a 200-amp panel to meet the demands of modern electronics.

Fuses can’t be easily reset like circuit breakers. Every time a fuse takes on a high electrical load, the actual fuse melts to break the flow of electricity. But this means the fuse needs to be replaced entirely, instead of just flipping a switch like on a circuit breaker.

#6: You have a Federal Pacific Electric, Zinsco or Pushmatic panel

Each of these types of panels are dangerous and should be replaced. Here’s why: